Moving from Syracuse, NY to Richmond, VA
Relocating between Syracuse, NY and Richmond, VA is a 473 mi drive — 9h 37m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
473 mi · 9h 37m by car · VA → MD → PA → NY
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → MD → PA → NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 95, US 15 |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 95.742 vs 97.858 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.2% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $210,251 to $369,646 moving to Richmond.
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Syracuse | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 45.5" |
Expect 10.4°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Richmond averages 8.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.23 |
Expect median household income to rise 2.2% — $45,845 → $62,671 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New York and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.4°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Virginia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Syracuse?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 294,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 473 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Syracuse vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $45,845 in Syracuse — a 36.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Richmond, VA from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 473 mi and the route typically takes 9h 37m via I 81 and I 95. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Richmond more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 2.2% higher than Syracuse (97.858 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Syracuse and Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Richmond vs 48.5°F in Syracuse (10.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 8.8 in vs 127.8 in. Annual precipitation: 45.5 in vs 39.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $210,251 in Syracuse — a 75.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY · Richmond, VA.